Lake Oconee Academy recently welcomed a diverse group of professionals to campus for its annual Career Fair designed to inspire curiosity, broaden perspectives, and help students envision future possibilities beyond the classroom. Over two days, the Elementary and Middle School Career Fair brought learning to life through real-world connections, meaningful conversations and hands-on engagement with careers spanning from science, business and law to education, public service and technology.
Starting Thursday, February 12, elementary students participated first in the Career Fair with age-appropriate presentations tailored to spark imagination and excitement. Students were invited to “dress for success,” arriving to campus dressed either in professional attire or as their future selves. Whether an artist or physician, the Titans’ futures look promising! “The Career Fair is a fun tradition that helps our younger students begin imagining who they might become,” said Erica Seybert, LOA’s Elementary School Counselor. “These experiences encourage curiosity, confidence and early goal setting, while showing students that there are many exciting paths ahead.”
Throughout the day, presenters rotated through grade levels, sharing stories about their careers, answering student questions, and explaining how classroom learning connects to real-life work. Presentations were held across campus, including the Elementary building, the Lower School stage and classroom rotation spaces, allowing students to experience a variety of presentation formats.
Elementary presenters represented a wide range of fields, including IT and legal services, microbiology, consulting, public service, healthcare, sales, higher education and corporate leadership. This diversity helped students see that success can take many paths and that their interests today can grow into meaningful opportunities tomorrow.
On Friday, February 13, the Career Fair continued with a focused experience for middle school students. Fifth and sixth graders participated in morning sessions, followed by seventh and eighth grade sessions in the afternoon. The schedule allowed students to engage deeply with presenters and create meaningful learning environments. Presenter Katie Underwood shared that she always values the opportunity to participate in Career Day. “Career Day is one of my favorite opportunities to connect with students because I truly love helping kids discover how exciting science can be,” Underwood said. “I want them to see that science isn’t just something in a textbook, it’s something they can use and experience in the real world every day.”
Middle school students explored careers through in-depth discussions, gaining insight into education and training pathways, daily responsibilities and the skills required for success in various professions. The experience encouraged students to think critically about their interests, strengths and long-term goals.
The Career Fair for middle school students was coordinated by Mrs. Jennifer Patton, LOA’s Middle School Counselor, whose careful planning ensured an engaging and impactful experience for both students and presenters. Mrs. Patton shared that this event is designed to help students connect learning to life beyond the classroom. “The Career Fair is a meaningful opportunity for our students to learn about a wide variety of careers, ask thoughtful questions, and gain actual insight into different employment paths,” said Patton. “By hearing directly from real-life professionals in our community, students are able to see how their interests and skills can grow into actual opportunities.”
Across both days, the Career Fair highlighted one of Lake Oconee Academy’s core values: Preparing students for life beyond school by connecting learning to the real world. LOA extends sincere thanks to the many parents, alumni and community members who generously volunteered their time to participate. Their willingness to share personal experiences, answer student questions, and engage with learners of all ages played a vital role in making the event meaningful and memorable.
Through the generosity of presenters and the enthusiasm of students, Lake Oconee Academy’s Career Fair offered authentic exposure to future possibilities and meaningful connections between classroom learning and real-world purpose. The success of the two-day event reflects the strength of the LOA community and its shared commitment to preparing students for bright, purposeful futures.